Inhibition of bacterial growth and galactosyltransferase activity of WbwC by α, ω-bis(3-alkyl-1H-imidazolium)alkane salts: Effect of varying carbon content.

A series of compounds was designed and synthesized having two imidazolium rings separated by a polymethylene spacer and having alkyl substituents on each of the imidazolium rings. The compounds were assayed for their effects on the activity of galactosyltransferase WbwC, and also on the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as human cells. The inhibition observed on enzyme activities and cell growth was dependent on the total number of carbons in the spacer and the alkyl substituents on the imidazolium rings. These readily synthesized, achiral compounds have potential as antimicrobial and antiseptic agents.